Sport Media Strategies – SMGT 430

Course Description

Sport Media Strategies is designed as a capstone course for the Communications and Public Relations Cognate. Heavy emphasis is given to the application of sport public relations technologies and strategies including promotional media, media relations tactics, public relations campaigns, and high level public relations responsibilities related to sport information.

Rationale

The environment surrounding sport media is precarious and ever changing. When dealing with the media, sport communication managers must be able to identify and select the most appropriate strategies for disseminating information, handling crises situations, and fostering a positive rapport with influential sport media. Public demand has pushed sport media personnel to new levels of influence in the quest to satisfy the needs of information seeking publics. This atmosphere creates numerous challenges for sport communication professionals when it comes to dealing with the media and keeping the organizations and the athletes they represent in a positive public light.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and include the textbooks, at least 1 outside resource, and 1 Scripture reference. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 200 words. (CLOs: A, B, D, E)

Fantasy Sports Public Relations Setup Quiz

The student will acknowledge the requirements in order to complete the Fantasy Sports Public Relations assignments throughout the course.

Fantasy Sports Public Relations Assignments (7)

Various fantasy sport leagues will be organized for this course through ESPN. The sport for these leagues will vary depending on what time of the year the course is taking place. All teams will be auto-drafted. Students must follow the athletes on their team during the entire term. Every week, each student will be required to submit at least 2 public relations forms of communication in relation to real-life events involving the players on the student’s fantasy team (ex. A Press Release about one of their players being arrested for DUI or an injury report for a game week, etc.) (CLOs: A, B, E)

Communication and Publicity Plan Assignment

Students will develop a Communication and Publicity Plan regarding an athlete, organization, or event. The Plan will apply the concepts learned in this course as well as other courses within the Communication and Public Relations Cognate. Additional information about the Plan is posted on Canvas. The plan must be submitted as a PowerPoint presentation. (CLOs: A, B, C, E)

Social Media Policies Assignment

Students are tasked with developing a social media policy for a Division I Athletic Department. This social media will include sections for and encompass all players, coaches, staff, and administrators. Special consideration should be given towards legal and ethical dimensions that apply. The policy should be thorough with no loopholes or gaps in coverage. (CLOs: A, B, D)

Quizzes (2)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned Modules: Weeks. Each quiz will contain multiple-choice, true/false, and essay questions, and have a 1 hour time limit. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)